What Is Your Landlord Really Responsible For?

Do you know what a landlord is responsible for?

Renting may free you from many of the obligations of homeownership—but it can still be stressful. What if something breaks? What if you lose your job and can’t pay your rent? What if noisy neighbors keep you up all night?

Knowing when to call your landlord and when to tackle an issue yourself is an important part of being a good tenant. Get some general information on tenant rights and landlord responsibilities when it comes to repairs, pests, noise and more. One important note: Some laws differ by state, so be sure to research your local regulations for answers to specific questions.

Be informed, ask questions and do your research

Knowing when to call your landlord and when to tackle an issue yourself is an important part of being a good tenant. It's essential to understand your rights as a tenant and the responsibilities your landlord has when it comes to repairs, pests, noise, and more.

While general information can provide a good starting point, it's important to note that some laws differ by state. Therefore, it's crucial to research your local regulations to find answers to specific questions and ensure you're well-informed about your rights and obligations as a tenant. By understanding the boundaries and having knowledge of your rights, you can navigate the landlord-tenant relationship with confidence and peace of mind.

What is a landlord's underlying responsibility to tenants?

Above all else, landlord responsibilities include ensuring that the rental property is habitable. Therefore, some repairs that do not affect the habitability of the home may not be the landlord's responsibility.

What qualifies as uninhabitable living conditions?

The definition of uninhabitable living conditions will vary by state, but ultimately, these include anything that may affect the safety of the tenants. The issues are not only limited to plumbing, gas, electricity, but also broken windows, doors and other unsanitary or unsafe conditions.

Does the landlord's insurance cover the tenant's possessions in case of an emergency or disaster?

Your landlord's insurance will only cover the rented property, not your possessions. Most landlords now require you to provide proof that you have renters insurance in case of an emergency or disaster.

What does renters insurance cover?

Getting renters insurance is one of the smartest moves a renter can make. For example, if a fire damages your rental, your landlord's insurance will pay to repair the home, but not to replace your damaged clothing. Renters insurance may cover that and more. You may be able to get coverage for natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, windstorms, hail, lightening and fire. Renters insurance may also protect against damage from frozen plumbing and the weight of snow and ice, along with other unexpected occurrences like explosions, falling objects, smoke damage, broken glass and other incidents that may occur. It also may cover damage or loss due to theft or vandalism.

What is the most common mistake by first-time renters?

First time renters should read the lease agreement thoroughly before signing it. Certain rules or other stipulations may be outlinedd such as policies for owning pets, guidelines for painting or otherwise altering the home, or even rules about having a roommate.